Exercise is key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but the strain of playing sports or running can be hard for children who have asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects how oxygen travels from our lungs and through the rest of our body. When our bodies don’t get the right amount of air, it thinks something is wrong and causes an asthma attack. Asthma can be scary, and it’s crucial to think about your child’s condition before you allow them to play sports.

What Sports Can My Child Play?

When your child has asthma, there are sports and activities that you need to avoid. Anything that challenges breathing or requires cardio for long periods, like cross-country running or soccer, can spark as an asthmatic incident. Consider sports that practice controlled breathing, like swimming. Swimming still provides opportunities for cardio, but it’s a type of activity that doesn’t challenge your child’s breathing. Exercise can help control asthma but opening airways, but it needs to be a type that doesn’t put a strain on your child’s lungs.

It’s also wise to avoid sporting events that take place in areas with irritants that can cause asthmas flare-ups. Cold weather can cause airways to narrow, and springtime can expose your child to allergens that make it harder for them to breathe. Be aware of the environment your child’s sporting events are taking place in so that you can prepare and take the proper precautions to keep them safe.

What Medications Treat Asthma?

Albuterol is commonly prescribed and can be taken through an inhaler. When Albuterol is taken before the start of exercise, muscles surrounding the airway have time to expand and relax. The medication should be taken five to 20 minutes before exercising and can last anywhere from two to four hours. However, schedule an appointment with an allergist before giving your child medication. Doctors will review the child’s physical history and recommended the best solution while avoiding any remedy that could be detrimental to your child’s health. 

How Do I Respond to an Asthma Attack?

In the event of an asthma attack, having an asthma action plan is a great way to inform adults and other children about what to do when your child has an asthma attack. The plan should be drafted by the parent in conjunction with a licensed professional. The plan will cover what medicines to take and when, things that can trigger an outbreak, common symptoms, and how to respond, and flare-up procedures and when to seek medical attention. Be sure to update the plan once every 6 months and store it in a safe place, and make copies to provide to your child’s school, sports team, and any other areas they regularly are without your supervision.   

For educational material on allergy relief, contact Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. in West Chester, Ohio. They are experts at diagnosing asthma symptoms and providing knowledge on how to reduce outbreaks. From seasonal pollen to chronic nasal congestion, Dr. Ahmad will discuss solutions. To learn more information about their services, give them a call at 513-777-7097 or visit them online.